Pics: Justin D’Silva

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Oct 5: Construction work at the Indrali railway bridge has come to a standstill after workers went on strike, demanding their unpaid wages. The workers, who have been labouring on the project for over two months, claim they have not received a single rupee in wages since the project began.

The workers allege that when they initially raised concerns about their unpaid wages, the contractor threatened them, even suggesting that halting the work would benefit him by saving money. As the strike by the workers enters its second day, the progress of the bridge construction remains uncertain.

As the bridge is crucial for the commuters, connecting Udupi-Manipal, the delay of construction work will cause more danger. The place has seen many accidents until now. Therefore it is crucial for the authorities to respond to the problem of the workers and continue the construction work.

One of the workers described the situation, saying, "When we demanded our wages before starting the strike, the contractor asked us whether we wanted to work or not. We said we would continue only if we were paid. They threatened us, saying if we want our money, we have to come to their area or call them to our area. But why should we go anywhere when we work here? We also have families to support. It has been eight days since they promised payment, but nothing has happened. We will only resume work once we are paid."

Another worker reported that only a few labourers had been paid, while most remain unpaid. "When we approached the contractor, he said the company is not paying him, so how can he pay us? If the government does not step in, how can we survive? No authorities have visited the construction area since the work began," he added.

Local authorities are yet to respond to the situation, while the workers remain adamant that they will only return to work once all outstanding wages are cleared.